Turning Hope Into Action
Welcome to the Up with People Foundation, the next chapter of a story that has inspired generations.
What began as a global movement connecting people through music and service has evolved into a foundation that supports projects that unite communities, inspire service, and foster global citizenship, turning hope into action and belief into positive change.
Though the traveling casts no longer tour the world, the spirit of Up with People continues to shine through local initiatives, volunteer efforts, and music that carries hope forward.
We’re glad you’re here. Welcome to the next chapter!
What began as a global movement connecting people through music and service has evolved into a foundation that supports projects that unite communities, inspire service, and foster global citizenship, turning hope into action and belief into positive change.
Though the traveling casts no longer tour the world, the spirit of Up with People continues to shine through local initiatives, volunteer efforts, and music that carries hope forward.
We’re glad you’re here. Welcome to the next chapter!
Our Mission
To create opportunities for meaningful impact worldwide by supporting projects that unite communities, inspire service, and build a more compassionate, connected world.
Our vision is a connected and inclusive world where communities grow, thrive, and care for one another.
Our Values
Integrity
Acting with honesty and consistency in all we do.
Respect
Valuing every individual and embracing diversity.
Accountability
Taking responsibility for our actions and impact.
Compassion
Approaching others with empathy and kindness.
Collaboration
Partnering with others to amplify shared impact.
Connectivity
Building bridges across cultures, generations, and communities.
The Road We’ve Traveled
The Up with People Foundation was created to carry forward a powerful legacy, one that began in 1965 with a bold idea: that young people, when empowered, can be a force for good in the world.
Born out of the international organization known as Up with People, the Foundation exists to extend that mission in new and lasting ways. For over five decades, Up with People has inspired and equipped young adults to build bridges across cultures, foster understanding, and create positive social change.
Born out of the international organization known as Up with People, the Foundation exists to extend that mission in new and lasting ways. For over five decades, Up with People has inspired and equipped young adults to build bridges across cultures, foster understanding, and create positive social change.
- 22,000+Participants from 138 countries
- 3+ MillionCommunity service hours
- 25,000+Shows performed in 70+ countries
Legacy in Motion
The Up with People Foundation was established to ensure that the spirit of Up with People lives on through initiatives and individuals who share its vision for a more inclusive and sustainable world. One meaningful way to continue that journey is by supporting changemakers whose work reflects the values that have guided us since the beginning.
Those values were first set in motion by J. Blanton Belk, founder of Up with People, whose bold belief was that young people, when empowered, can build bridges across cultures and create lasting positive change. His memoir, A Life in Up with People, captures the origins of this movement and the global community that grew from it. The Foundation carries this legacy forward by championing youth leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and community transformation, whether through a grassroots service project, a global exchange, or a new platform for dialogue.
This is more than a continuation. It is a legacy in motion.
Join us as we uplift the next generation of leaders and pass it forward together.
Those values were first set in motion by J. Blanton Belk, founder of Up with People, whose bold belief was that young people, when empowered, can build bridges across cultures and create lasting positive change. His memoir, A Life in Up with People, captures the origins of this movement and the global community that grew from it. The Foundation carries this legacy forward by championing youth leadership, cross-cultural understanding, and community transformation, whether through a grassroots service project, a global exchange, or a new platform for dialogue.
This is more than a continuation. It is a legacy in motion.
Join us as we uplift the next generation of leaders and pass it forward together.
We believe that when we invest in people and projects that echo our mission, we multiply our impact.
Foundation Board
- Tim AndersenChair of the Board
- Terry CekolaVice-Chair of the Board
- Robin LokermanFinance Chair
- Stuart ShepherdBoard Secretary
- Board Member
- Board Member
Our news
